Argan & SkinCare
An In-Depth Look At Tattoos And Their Impact Among The World’s Women
Mar
If you’re a mature woman, you might be tempted to try a tattoo. They describe your personality in a visual manner. However, you’re concerned about the health risks and actual application of these images.
Learn more about tattoos by reading further into this article. Understand these key points, including:
- Defining tattoos
- Getting to know their history
- Pinpointing tattoo benefits for women in particular
- Breaking down the pros and cons of tattoos
- Discovering inherent risks to the practice
- Diving into skincare that includes argan oil
Your curiosity must be heightened by now. It’s time to learn more about tattoos by starting with a basic definition. What are tattoos anyway? They’re actually a complex artistry that dates back many years.
What Are Tattoos?
Tattoos are simply images created by inserting ink just underneath the skin’s surface. This simplistic practice has deep meaning in many cultures. Some people might have basic shapes drawn into their skin, or an entire forest may be created as a tattoo on your back. Every design requires the use of a sterile needle and chosen pigments.
What is Tattoo Ink Made Of?
Traditional tattoos are created from a pigment and carrier fluid. A tattoo artist combines these substances together. It’s injected under the skin where it becomes permanent.
These pigments are made from a host of different compounds, such as:
- Cobalt oxides
- Copper salts
- Iron oxides
Each chosen compound offers a different color. As the tattooing world has evolved, more colors became possible. Currently, experts slowly reveal the compounds that can achieve those hues to improve the art each day.
Why Are Tattoos Permanent?
Cut yourself one day, and you’ll start healing almost immediately. Tattoos are permanent reminders of your artistic expression. Are you wondering why they don’t fade away like any other skin abrasion?
The key to permanency is the pigment’s size at the molecular level. Your body takes care of foreign microbes by sending out cells called macrophages. The pigment, however, is simply too large for these cells to eradicate. You’re left with a permanent mark across your skin.
Knowing what tattoos are is the first step toward a better understanding of this art. Do you know where tattoos came from in the first place? Get to know the origins of tattoos so that you have a greater appreciation for the art.
Discovering the Origins of Tattoos in Society
The origins of the tattoo are difficult to narrow down because they’ve been found as far back as ancient times. Hieroglyphics depicted Egyptians with tattoos. There’s also evidence that the Ancient Greeks and Romans used tattooing throughout their cultures.
It’s safe to say that tattooing originated in North Africa near the Mediterranean Sea. As recorded history moved forward and Europeans trekked across the globe, tribes in the South Pacific were discovered with their intricate tattoos. In fact, the word “tattoo” has a South Pacific origin with the Tahitian people. It means “to mark something.”
Researchers believed that tattooing was used for several reasons, including:
- Identifying members of a tribe
- Warding off illness
- Showing off an inherent skill
- Decorating a person’s body for war times
Ancient people used the resources around them, including plants, in order to make pigments. With a sharp enough tool, tattoos came alive with these pigments placed under the skin just as they are created today.
Many cultures across the world use tattoos for various reasons. Discover these communities and how tattoos define their worlds:
The Maori:
Down south in New Zealand, the Maori tribes took tattooing very seriously in the past. They painted intricate swirls and patterns across their bodies. The head and face were the most popular areas for these designs.
Because these tattoos were often placed on sensitive areas, the entire process was painful. The Maori people covered up their cries of pain, however, because they wanted to show off their strengths to the community.
There was a reprieve afterward in the form of karaka tree leaves. These native plants offered a balm, which provided relief to the swollen tissues healing after tattooing took place. Natural solutions were always the choice of native peoples.
The Yakuza:
This tattooing came from Japan. Fine outlines of fish, leaves and other natural images were commonplace. Find these tattoos on certain body parts, such as:
- Entire back
- Across the shoulders
- Spanning the forearms and upper arms
The Japanese cared for the tattoos by cleansing their bodies on a regular basis. Many men took off their shirts and basked in the sun as their back tattoos healed. It was a sign of strength to have these tattoos displayed. Everyone knew when the designs were finished because color was finally added into the images.
There’s little documentation about the overall care for these tattoos. However, the Japanese people aren’t without their clever uses of their environment. Self-care traditions tend to prevail in this culture.
The Berbers:
The Berbers, also known as Amazigh women, live in Morocco where facial tattooing used to be a rite of passage for women. Over the years, names have evolved with the changing times. With the advent of Islam within the region, however, the practice of tattooing the face has diminished. Tattoos are now more common on the hands and feet.
Berber women use their environment as a means to stem the pain after a tattoo application. The argan tree grows strong in their region, and it gives off nuts with amazing oils. By extracting the oil and placing it on the skin, the Berbers have an instant salve.
It’s believed that argan oil has been their balm of choice for many years. The tattoos in the region are distinct and long lasting as a result.
With this history in mind, you might wonder about the benefits that tattoos offer people. As a mature woman, there are numerous benefits that are both physical and mental boosts. Get to know the positive side of tattooing as you decide on a temporary or permanent design.
Benefiting From Tattoos: A Woman’s Perspective
If you’re a mature woman in her 50s or older, you probably remember the days when tattoos were just a “bikers’ trend.” This old-fashioned perception is all but gone today. You’ll see dozens of people in one day with a tattoo, but you never even see the design.
More people today than ever have a tattoo. From entire sleeves to tiny logos on the wrists, tattoos come in all sizes and shapes. Explore how tattoos benefit society, especially when it comes to women and female empowerment.
1. The Tattoo Disguise
Tattoos are beneficial because they can disguise something that’s unsightly on the body. Cover up a scar or distract the eye from a major surgery, such as a mastectomy. Tattoos make any skin area shine with beauty.
2. A Practical Approach
Some people approach their tattoos with a practical mind. If you have radiation on a regular basis, the technicians often dot your body with markers that indicate the proper area to scan. Add a tattoo of dots to help your technicians out.
These types of tattoos can empower women to take back their bodies. They know where a tumor is with the help of the dots. At some point, those dots can be used as a basis for a victorious tattoo that signifies a remission has been achieved.
3. Making You “Hip”
Many women may be retiring in their 50s or 60s, but some females are still loving the working world. Perceptions about tattoos are changing for the better. Some companies actually want new hires with tattoos. They don’t have to cover up either.
These marks reflect a person’s individuality. This style may be what the company is looking for as they attract young customers.
4. Increasing Your Self-Confidence
Women have struggled with self-confidence for generations. Tattoos have given women a chance to feel good about themselves. Regardless of any blemishes, a tattoo provides beauty and acceptance within the person for a long life of happiness.
5. Acceptance Within Society
Every region of the nation has a different perspective on tattooing. Some areas are more accepting than others. Women, in particular, are forging their own paths with tattoos being displayed in almost every corner of the world.
Society is slowly accepting tattoos because more people than not have them now. It’s not seen as an illicit activity. Some of the most respected people in the world have tattoos.
Tattoo benefits seem to outweigh any drawbacks to this art. However, you should have a well-rounded view of both the pros and cons to tattooing. Read on to discover both sides to the argument that tattoos are either good or bad. Every woman must make their own decisions when they consider this artistic expression.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tattoos
Get ready to learn about both sides of the coin when it comes to tattoos. There are pros and cons to any form of self-expression.
1. Opens Up Unknown Doors
Unknown doors in your world might be both a pro and con. Some career doors may be limited to you because of people who’re unsure about the images on your skin. In contrast, you may meet people who’re more like you in several different ways. Their career paths might become yours too.
2. Possibility For Illness
A definite con to tattoos is possible illness. Tattoos involve needles and penetration into human tissue. If a sterile environment isn’t part of your experience, contracting a disease is possible.
There are ways to avoid this scenario so it may not be much of a drawback. Simply be observant about your chosen, tattoo parlor.
3. Aging Gives You An Opportunity
Women can get tattoos at any age. Although you’ll hear reprimands about aging and tattoos not mixing, this statement isn’t true. Choose your tattoo carefully. As you age, take a critical look at it.
If the image seems to fade or look unsightly to you, speak to a tattoo artist. These professionals can color in the tattoo or enhance it with more images. There’s actually no limit to the beauty that can be created with one tattoo. You just need an open mind to see the opportunity.
4. Unwelcome Attention
Depending on your tattoo’s location, you’ll receive attention for the image or text. Don’t be surprised if people feel the need to talk to you about the tattoos. Your perception of this attention can make this aspect either a pro or con. If you don’t want too much attention, choose a hidden location and small tattoo for the self-expression.
5. Encourages Self-Care
You want the tattoo to look spectacular through the years. This scenario isn’t possible without strong, skincare techniques. Consider the tattoo as motivation to cleanse and moisturize the skin.
Pick out products that are mild and complement your skin. This advantage can work for women well into their later years.
6. Tattoos Can Be Expensive
Be aware of your chosen design. If you want to cover your entire back with an image, it will cost a lot of money. Be aware of your budget when you pick out the image. A small yet symbolic tattoo can be just as powerful as an entire sleeve.
You may be seriously considering a tattoo at this point. Are there any other highlights that should be weighed? You should look at the true risks of receiving a tattoo. It’s possible for this embellishment to be a problem for some women.
Knowing the Risks of Tattoo Applications
The very fact that you’re allowing a person to insert a foreign substance into your skin should be cause for concern. No tattoo is without its risks. Modern tattoos are extremely safe, but only when they’re applied by qualified experts.
Before you head off to the next tattoo artist, understand the risks. Older women, in particular, should be more cautious than other folks.
Risky Tattoo Business
In general, tattoo risks involve these scenarios, such as:
- Swollen tissue
- Granuloma or nodule development
- Allergic reactions
- Scar-tissue development
Mature women should also be aware that skin infections, including tuberculosis and staph, are possible with a tattoo. If you have reason to be examined by an MRI machine in the future, the pigments can also be problems when they interact with the procedure.
If you have a clean bill of health, mature women shouldn’t have any problems with a qualified tattoo artist performing the work. Be diligent about hygiene and skincare after the fact so that no complications are part of your experience.
Taking the Proper Precautions
Research and observation are your best tools against any improper, tattoo applications. Initially, research a particular artist or tattoo shop. They should have local and state credentials as required by the authorities.
Verify that the qualifications are updated too. A shop with an expired credential is questionable for any customer. In addition, look for these sanitary features, such as:
- Clean and sterilized work surfaces
- New gloves used with every customer
- Fresh needles pulled from a sealed container
- Alcohol disinfectant for the skin before application
If you observe a tattoo artist with these skills, they have the know-how to give you a safe image. Don’t be hesitant about leaving a facility if the cleanliness standards aren’t up to par.
You have a well-rounded view of the tattoo world at this point. Are you wondering about the best ways to care for the tattoo afterward? Get familiar with argan oil as a solution to your tattoo irritation immediately following an application. You’ll be thrilled at this all-natural, moisturizing solution.
Exploring the Beneficial Effects of Argan Oil on Tattoos
You’re elated by that new tattoo on your body. It tells a permanent story about you as a person. Taking care of that tattoo must be a priority or else infection and pain are part of your future.
In fact, part of your care strategy actually involves argan oil. What is this substance? You’ll discover that it’s a critical tool for skin healing.
You now know that a tattoo is a calculated injection of pigment into the body. The skin is understandably irritated. It reacts by inflaming the area for healing purposes.
Tattoo artists suggest these tips for freshly tattooed skin, including:
- Keep the bandage on for at least one hour.
- Carefully wash the tattoo with hot water and mild soap upon bandage removal.
- Avoid rubbing the area as you dry it.
- Moisturize the tattoo.
You might wonder about the best moisturizer for your tattoo. Remember that argan oil has been waiting in the wings for just this purpose.
This natural oil comes from Morocco. As a native, you’d find it within the argan tree’s nuts. This oil has these properties that complement your healing skin, including:
- Easily absorbs into the lower, dermal layers
- Pure compounds reduce any irritated sensations
- Fights inflammation
- Full of vitamins and nutrients to nourish the skin back to health
Apply argan oil in small amounts to your clean tattoo. Remember to wash your hands before touching the tattoo. You don’t want to introduce any germs into the area. The argan oil does offer some microbe protection in case of any mistakes, however.
A tattoo takes several weeks to heal. During this time period, you’ll repeat the cleansing-and-moisturizing process many times over. Argan oil in its purest form will make your skin glow with hydration and healing. Forgetting the moisturizer only leads to dry and possibly damaged skin.
Tattoos are truly unique expressions that mature women can enjoy and benefit from with the right care. Keep argan oil on hand at all times, especially after the healing period has ended. You’ll find countless uses for this natural oil. Apply it to your skin, hair and nails. Your tattoo isn’t the only area that can shine brightly.
Conclusion:
This article covered a host of different highlights, such as:
- Explaining tattoo definitions
- Learning historic perspectives
- Exploring tattoo benefits for women
- Comparing advantages and drawbacks to tattoos
- Cautioning women about the risks that are inherent to tattoos
- Loving argan oil’s role in tattoo care
From adornment purposes to rites of passage, tattoo applications have evolved for hundreds of years. Tattoos are self-expression at their very best. Be a mature woman who’s confident in her mind, body and artistic expression.